Outline of Need:

Meeting Ground came into existence in 1981 in Maryland and Delaware as a faith-based response to the growing epidemic of wasted human life, both in this nation and across the globe, and especially in the form that has come to be known as “homelessness”. Their mission statement has the following: “….to help meet basic human needs and to address the root problems that perpetuate the cycle of poverty and homelessness. We bring together homeless and non-homeless persons in a context of shared life and work by providing hospitality, shelter, food and education….” Meeting Ground operates three shelters: Wayfarer's House in Elkton, MD - for women and children; George Porter House in Elkton, MD - for men; and Clairvaux Farms in Earlville, MD, a 20 acre facility for homeless families with children, single women and men.

In order to carry on their mission effectively, Meeting Ground needed a new pickup truck that will be used for a wide variety of public and social services including: moving perishable items, assisting homeless clients, and delivering goods and or services. In 2005, Meeting Ground provided over 18,000 bed nights of emergency and transitional housing, served 35,000 meals, and assisted over 300 persons with transitional housing from the shelter. A new pickup will help replace a truck that is 10 years old with over 100,000 miles, is costly to maintain and considered unsafe to drive.

How Rural Development Helped:

In June 2006, USDA Rural Development provided 55% or $11,550 dollars in Community Facility grant funds (click here to learn more about this and other programs) to help Meeting Ground purchase a new pickup truck. Carl Mazza, Executive Director with Meeting Ground, said the vehicle is a necessity. “We can't do our work without it. It's a moving van. We pick up food with it, we pick up donated furniture and clothing with it,” he said. “It serves all kinds of purposes. It is an endlessly useful tool.”

For years, faith-based and community groups, like Meeting Ground, have been on the front lines assisting people in need. Their compassion has transformed countless lives. At times, the Federal government has not been an easy partner in their work. The Bush Administration has been committed to being a willing partner to help faith-based and community groups as they are meeting the needs of friends and neighbors across the country.

The Results:

On June 12, 2006, USDA Rural Development held an event at Wayfarer's House to announce the federal funds involved. At this event, U.S. Congressman Wayne Gilchrest participated in the funding announcement and to tour the facility. In his opening remarks, talking about all the traveling that he does, he said, “This is the best stop in a long time!”

During a tour of the facility, Marsha Mazza, director of Wayfarer's House, shared a homemade Mother's Day card proudly displayed on a dresser on one of the rooms. Inside the folded pink construction paper, printed carefully in a child's handwriting, was the message “…when I grow up I will get money. I will buy you a house.”

(August 2006)

Success Stories Home Page